Actively working to Surrender

My teacher has been talking recently about the difference between effort and strain, surrender and collapse. The opposite of effort is surrender, and the opposite of strain is collapse. In Yoga, we are looking to exert the proper amount of effort so we can find surrender. If we are exerting so much effort that we enter into straining, all we will find is collapse. The difference between surrender and collapse is effort. Surrender is not passive; rather it is an active state of effort that takes us to surrender. Over-exertion results in collapse, or a complete breakdown. Collapse is passive.

Of course, in our Asana practice we are striving to achieve this balance. But, what happens when we take this practice off of the mat? Anytime we move our practice off of the mat and into our real lives is the most profound aspect of the practice. Real life is the reason to practice Yoga. So, how do we exert enough effort to find surrender in our real lives?

There is such a feeling of peace when you quit fighting what you can’t fight or control. To paraphrase a lesson my teacher recently shared, a tug of war only occurs when you pick up the other end of the rope. If you don’t pick up the rope, there is no fight; it’s just someone else holding a rope. When it comes to self-struggle, you are holding both ends of the rope. Drop one end… or maybe even both. How freeing is that? It is surrender if it is a conscious decision. Remember, surrender is not passive. It’s not simply giving up, but rather actively letting go. Let go of the struggle. Let go of the indecision. Let go of the chaos.

Freedom is our ultimate goal. Space in the physical, mental, energetic, and spiritual bodies will allow for this freedom. It takes effort, not strain, to create this space and surrender. Honor yourself by releasing and surrendering one thing, one thought, one attachment today…even if just for a moment.

"As a new student, Carrie Anne made yoga comfortable and approachable. Her instruction is clear and easy to follow. I have experienced beautiful physical and emotional transformations through the practice of yoga. Carrie Anne has helped awaken my awareness, both on and off the mat."

~ Melissa S.

"For anyone never stepping onto a mat, I want to tell you, Carrie Anne made me fall in love with Yoga & all it has to offer. I have always felt stressed & anxious about almost everything, including trying Yoga. After a couple of sessions with Carrie Anne, she really helped me relax & get in touch with my breath. Her gentle approachable teaching style has brought me pleasure & freedom to my mind, body & soul. I can't thank Carrie Anne enough for all she has brought into my life."

~ Deede

"Carrie Anne was very accommodating and brought her Yoga teaching to my home for a small group session. We had a ladies weekend and this was the perfect beginning to it! She taught us relaxation methods and brought the girls to an understanding that Yoga is about meeting you where you are at, not about forcing a pose. She took the time to explain each movement's purpose and position. It was a refreshing style - intensity taken out of life for a time, in the comfort and relaxation of our porch overlooking the bay."